Naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication capable of reversing an opioid overdose, is available through Connecticut prescribers. The realization that a person who is overdosing on opioids is incapable of self-administering the needed antidote was one factor spurring forward the 2012 law (Public Act 12-159 - An Act Concerning Treatment for a Drug Overdose). Another factor was the epidemic of prescription drug abuse. Pharmaceuticals like Oxycontin have contributed to a dramatic rise nationally in drug overdoses and deaths. In Connecticut, on average, one person dies every day from an opioid overdose. Naloxone (Narcan) reverses the effects of all opioids, whether street drugs like Heroin or prescription drugs like Percocet or Oxycontin. While some states have adopted a Naloxone Distribution Program model, the new Connecticut law allows access to Naloxone (Narcan) through individual prescribers. Eligible prescribers include: physicians, surgeons, APRNs, PAs, dentists, and podiatrists. Those interested in accessing Naloxone (Narcan) should also, optimally, be educated on the following topics: recognizing an opioid overdose, contacting 911, rescue breathing, administration of Naloxone (Narcan), and the recovery position. Additional information on all these areas can be found in the materials which follow.

Naloxone (Narcan) Legislation Passed in 2014

Legislation became effective on October 1, 2014 for “An Act Providing Immunity to a person who administers an opioid antagonist to another person experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose”. Otherwise known as Public Act 14-61, this act provides protection from civil liability and criminal prosecution to the person who administers the naloxone (narcan) to reverse an opioid overdose. This legislation can be found at: Public Act 14-61.

Naloxone (Narcan) Providers in your area

Any prescriber in Connecticut, including your Primary Care Physician, Physician Assistant (PA) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is qualified to assist you with a prescription for Narcan.” Additionally, you may the follow the link to the National Locator of Narcan Providers.

Training materials:Any of the following materials can be printed. For convenience, the one-page two-sided brochure listed below contains information for identifying and responding to an opioid overdose with Narcan.

While you need a prescription at present to be able to get Naloxone (Narcan), it is not a controlled medication. It has no street value and you cannot become addicted to it. If used by a person who doesn’t use opiates, at worst it might make them uncomfortable. The only exceptions would be for an individual who had an allergic reaction to Naloxone (Narcan) or a woman who was pregnant or nursing. There is an effort underway to make Naloxone (Narcan) available over-the-counter.

How quickly does Naloxone (Narcan) work?

Properly administered, Naloxone (Narcan) usually works within 2 – 5 minutes. If there is no response during this time, a second dose should be administered.

The answer to this question will likely change over time as more prescribers become aware of this program. If you are already in a program, there may very well be prescribers on staff who could assist you. Also, your primary care doctor would be able to help. You may also check the National Locator of Narcan Providers.

Will I be arrested if I call 911 when there’s been an overdose?

Public Act 11-210 An Act Concerning Emergency Medical Assistance for Persons Experiencing an Overdose and the Designation of Certain Synthetic Stimulants as Controlled Substances (provide link) concerns consequences for possession of different substances, but makes an exception in section g, for persons who in good faith seek medical assistance for a person that they reasonably believe is overdosing. Consequently, you should be protected from arrest by this “Good Samaritan” law.

What do I do if I come across someone who has overdosed?

If someone you are close to uses opiates, you could, in fact, find yourself in this situation. The first step is to determine whether the person has overdosed on Opioids. Look for the following signs:

Person is unresponsive or limp

Person is awake but unable to talk

Their breathing is slow or erratic or they are not breathing

Their pulse is slow or erratic or they have no pulse

Their skin is pale gray or blue, especially around the fingernails and lips

They are making deep, slow snoring, choking or gurgling sounds

They are vomiting

If you cannot wake or get a response from the person, call 911. If they aren’t breathing, start “Rescue Breathing” by moving them onto their back, tilting their head back and lifting their chin, and giving them 2 normal breaths. Give one breath every 5 seconds after this until they begin breathing on their own or help arrives. If you have a Naloxone (Narcan) kit, have someone bring it to you and administer the Naloxone (Narcan). If you have to leave the person for any reason, put them into the “Recovery Position” by rolling them onto their side so that they won’t choke if they begin vomiting.

How does Naloxone (Narcan) work?

In the brain, Naloxone (Narcan) competes with the opioids the person used for the same receptor sites. Since Naloxone (Narcan) has a greater affinity for the binding sites, the opioids the person used are replaced by the Naloxone (Narcan) which reverses the overdose effects of the opioids.

What increases/decreases risk of an opioid overdose?

These factors increase risk of an opioid overdose:

Using too much (because you haven’t used that amount before or because it was stronger than what you are used to, or because your tolerance decreased while you weren’t using or were in a detox/program/jail/hospital)

Age (older people and those with longer histories of drug use are more likely to die as a result of an overdose)

These factors decrease risk of an opioid overdose:

Using a consistent source/supplier

Testing a small amount first

Using a less rapid mode of administration (snorting)

Using with someone else

Using less if you haven’t used in some time, for any reason

Not letting anyone else prepare your drugs for you

What are commonly used opioids?

Heroin, Oxycontin, Fentanyl, Morphine, Vicodin, and Percocet. Methadone is also an opioid.

Can a person overdose on a prescription opioid?

Certainly a person can overdose on any opioid, regardless of whether it is a prescription medication or not.

Where can a person go for treatment of an addiction?

People who need treatment for an addiction have a number of choices. If they have insurance, they should call the number on the insurance card for a referral. Those who don’t have insurance or who have a program like Husky or Medicaid LIA should check the DMHAS website (link here) for a list of programs. All programs receiving funding from DMHAS must take some clients without insurance. Also, some programs are designed to treat individuals without insurance (like Blue Hills and CVH Merritt Hall).Programs range from Detox to outpatient to inpatient. Most programs should begin by asking you about your substance use so they can try to match you to the level of care that best meets your needs.

Are all overdoses the same?

All overdoses are not the same. An overdose on a stimulant like Cocaine would potentially have some of the same signs like difficulty breathing, vomiting and loss of consciousness, but unlike an opioid overdose, might also have: chest pain, dizziness, foaming at the mouth, lots of sweating or no sweating, racing pulse and seizures.Naloxone (Narcan) will not work on a cocaine overdose and there is no comparable Naloxone (Narcan)-like medication to reverse it.

Where do I store the Naloxone (Narcan)?

Naloxone (Narcan) should be stored at room temperature (neither too hot nor too cold) and should be kept out of sunlight; but not in the refrigerator.

What is an overdose “kit”?

Overdose kits are a handy way to be prepared by having everything needed in one place. A bag of some sort is necessary to keep all the pieces together. The kit should include 2 doses of Naloxone (Narcan), 2 alcohol wipes for cleaning the injection site, a pair of gloves, and a set of instructions. Some kits include other items, such as a Rescue Breathing mask.

Who do I call if I use my prescription or if my Naloxone (Narcan) expires and I need a refill?

Prescriptions for Naloxone (Narcan) are generally written in multiples of two, because of the possibility that the first dose may not work and a second dose may need to be given. Prescribers will vary in terms of how many refills they will be willing to write. Those individuals currently in a program should be able to get refills where they are receiving services. They could also ask their primary care physician. This website also has a list of providers who can write prescription refills.

Should I report if I use the Naloxone (Narcan) and reverse the overdose?

If you reverse an opioid overdose, congratulations! You can report this good news to the agency where the naloxone (narcan) was prescribed and/or email susan.wolfe@ct.gov.

Will insurance cover the cost of the Naloxone (Narcan)?

Insurance may very well cover the cost of the prescription. You can check with your insurance company. If you have Husky C or Medicaid LIA, the cost is covered by these plans.

Will Naloxone (Narcan) work if the person overdosed on something other than an opioid

Naloxone (Narcan) will only work to reverse the effects of opioids.

Will the person who recovers from an overdose be violent?

People who overdose generally don’t realize what has happened to them. They just come out of it feeling sick. They may misinterpret the situation to think that someone took their drugs and be agitated or upset. The best thing to do is to explain what happened.

Can a person re-overdose after the Naloxone (Narcan) has been given?

Yes, depending on how much the person used. The Naloxone (Narcan) lasts for about 30 – 90 minutes, so it is possible that at the end of that time, the person could re-overdose. The other possibility is that the person will want to use more drugs now that they are feeling sick after the Naloxone (Narcan). Under no circumstances should they do this as it will increase the chances of re-overdosing.